Data Preparation and Data Standards: The Devil Is in the Details Book Chapter

Smith, CM, Breda, C, Simmons, T et al. (2010). Data Preparation and Data Standards: The Devil Is in the Details . 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325522.003.0005

cited authors

  • Smith, CM; Breda, C; Simmons, T; De Andrade, ARV; Bickman, L

authors

abstract

  • This chapter addresses data management concerns, focusing less on instrument formatting and more on the process of data entry choices, documentation, hiring, and naming variables. It starts with a discussion of data standards. It details issues related to getting data into an electronic format. These include budgeting money and time, the skills needed for data entry, creating a data entry program, naming variables, formatting, and creating a codebook. The chapter presents guides for cleaning data before and after data entry, tracking project-related data, and archive documentation.

publication date

  • April 1, 2010